‘That means a disproportionately high number of them own their own homes. Conversely, a disproportionately low number of them are tenants.’

In a statement, Rebecca Hilsenrath, chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: ‘These are truly disgusting remarks as well as being unlawful instructions from a landlord to a letting agent.

‘There are still deep inequalities in our society as our race report demonstrated and these comments show why.

‘As a country we all assume we have left the dark ages behind, but clearly there is more to be done.’